The Artistic Pursuit

Chapter 27 - Pursuit of Happiness

Penelope needed to comfort Benedict of her fears for his future. It is a conversation she did not wish to have but Benedict deserved more than to be stuck in Mayfair with her.

THE BRIDGERTON HOME

"Good morning, Penelope" Benedict, somehow looked more joyous than usual which made her feel even worse for the important discussion they needed to have.

"Good morning, Benedict" she smiled, as she looked at Ben. She hated to break his heart, make his smile falter. She was so in love, that she wanted to do good, by him. Even if that in return meant she would no longer be happy again.

"And what a morning it is. Shall we take a turn of the gardens?" she loved Bens optimism and quirkiness. Pen took it as his closeness to his two youngest siblings were rubbing off on him.

"That would be most agreeable" she linked onto his arm as he walked her out. Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton were watching them from the edge of a doorway.

"What are you doing?" El demanded. Looking at her mama and Lady Danbury meddling again. They both shushed her. Continuing to listen in.

Eloise's kept her voice low "They are to be married. Why are you sneaking around like thieves in the night. hmm?"

Lady Danbury looked El deadpan "Miss Penelope, has been looking rather ill"

El snapped "She was in an incident" complete nonsense, the both of them. Surely, there are more important topics of conversation. Than her friends health. She was finding it rather tiresome.

Violet touched El's arm "No, it is not the same. She has been sick numerous times, her ladies maid told Mrs Wilson. She was concerned about her welfare"

"Could she be?" Violet questioned.

"I believe so" Lady Danbury shared a glance with Violet.

"They did disappear for a day" the penny dropped. Violet whispered "Oh. I see"

"Indeed"

Eloise hand went on her hips. Unfollowing the cryptic conversation between the matriarchs "What are you two talking about?"

"None of you business, Eloise. Is there not a book you wish to read?" Violets voice sharp and to the point.

"Not when i'm more intrigued about what is going on here"

"Eloise Bridgerton!" El turned her heel and walked off.

Benedict was excited that his work was to be hung in an exquisite gallery in Bordeaux, France. Pen enjoyed his excitement. He was bouncing like a child with too many sweets in their grasp.

Sometimes Benedict got overlooked by his family. Pen did not understand why. Possibly they thought he was happy enough, and knew what he wanted.

But she knew they would never get to see him as happy as he was now. Without the fake façade he reveals to the world. But not her. She had seen all sides to Benedict, and she was proud of every one. More importantly, she loved all of him. Even the parts he hides.

It started to sink in. He would leave his home a lot now his work was revealed in many cities across Europe. She could not fathom how he could marry her if he intended to leave her at the drop of a hat. He deserved more.

Ben being at home had its advantages, she would see him a lot. He needed to find himself and she would hate merely be an obstacle in his step. She could not be selfish.

"You, Benedict, are the love of my life and that love I want to hold onto with both hands and never let you go" he squeezed her arm "I like where this conversation is going" he smirked.

No, I believe you wont, Ben. How I wish there was another way to do this.

"I believe I know you well enough, Benedict" She gave him a side eye. Not wanting to fully see his reaction face on "We should not be together. I may love you. But I love you enough to let you go"

"Pen, I do not understand" the rejection started sinking in "but why?" he looked as though he may break down sobbing right there between his mother's Hydrangea's.

She spoke soft and clearly hoping he would not take her words the wrong way "Being an artist is your greatest dream. I could never ever take that from you. I can not be selfish, Benedict. I would be at home, alone and you could move around different cities freely. Without having to worry about me at home waiting for you. In time, you will eventually forget about me"

How could she think he would ever forget about her

She placed her finger on his lips to silence his response. His response was to hold that hand. Kissing her palm. Her eyelids fluttered.

She would risk her heart for his own happiness. He had to stop himself from embracing her then and there.

"You do not understand"

Pen looked crestfallen and defeated.

Benedict took her hands in his "It is true, art is my passion and it always will be" he looked deep into her eyes, tilting her chin up to face him "But you Miss Penelope Featherington. You are my dream. As if I would ever leave you behind. I may be stupid sometimes but i'm not so foolish as to leave you behind"

He pulled her closer to face him "When we were apart, I realised that sometimes you have to step back to see the picture with any real clarity. When the image clears it is you, who are all I see. I love you Penelope"

Pen touched his chest "You, Benedict Bridgerton, are a very stubborn man. But a good man"

"That is what I keep telling everyone, but no one ever seems to listen" he jests "Penelope, I have arranged for us to have the honeymoon in France. I am only needed for the gallery reveal for an hour. Then I am all yours"

Pens mouth gapped open.

Pens reaction made Ben wince with uncertainty "Forgive me, do you not approve?"

Her eyes grew wide "I would let you take me right now in the Bay of Biscay"

"Is that a yes?" he spoke, while feeling flustered all of a sudden.

Penelope gave a small nod. They embraced and Ben kissed her softly. Not caring if anyone were to overlook. She was to be his and he held on to her, like she was the air he breathed.

There were no more words that needed to be spoken. He would take her across the continent with his art, and he would enjoy every moment of it. As Penelope pulled back and looked deep into Bens eyes, a warmth surrounded her and she knew he truly meant it.